Avon Metals has received Major Commendations in the 2010 prestigious Business Commitment to the Environment (BCE) Environmental Leadership Awards.

The annual competition, established in 1975 by former British Rail boss, Sir Peter Parker, recognises and rewards companies which protect and enhance the environment without compromising on business performance.

Avon Metals Ltd, an aluminium scrap re-processor based in Gloucester, was recognised for its ‘20/20 Vision’ business approach, a continuous improvement strategy that aims to make the company totally sustainable. The company has integrated 20 environmental and sustainability aspirations and indicators into its planning and operations, which so far has resulted in a 93% reduction in process CO2 emissions, a 5% reduction in energy consumption, and 2,314 tonnes of aluminium packaging waste recycled.

Since the programme was introduced in 2006, Avon has also doubled its net profits year on year and seen an eight percent reduction in staff turnover. The judges applauded it for being the first company of its kind to demonstrate that the industry is capable of implementing high environmental standards, whilst at the same time maintaining a profitable business.

The awards were presented by the BCE president, Sir Anthony Cleaver, at a ceremony on 8 June in London. He said: “Despite the continuing economic challenges, standards in this year’s competition have been higher than ever. All the winners are innovative and forward thinking, driven by a high regard for corporate social responsibility, and they set the benchmark for other businesses.”